Today, 8th November 2013, along with my wife Pankajam, I went to the Parliament Street Branch of the State Bank of India (SBI), New Delhi, to submit the yearly Life Certificate for her for getting pension. She is retired from BSNL and had authorised SBI for pension payment.
Every year we used to go to Calicut, Kerala, in November to furnish the Life Certificate to the SBI Branch there, since the PPO, Pass Book etc. are there only. Since I had been hospitalised and is still not in a position to travel, I checked up with the Calicut SBI office whether my wife can furnish the certificate in Delhi. They informed that the Life Certificate can be furnished in any Branch of the SBI in India. I felt happy.
Though still feeling very weak after the viral fever, I along with my wife went to the SBI Main Branch in the Parliament Street, New Delhi to submit the Life certificate. The car was first not allowed to get inside the compound, but when I told my difficulty in walking, they allowed.
We went to Counter No. 13, which was dealing with the Pension section. There were a few old people in the queue, who have also come to furnish the certificate. When I told about our problem, the woman at the counter assured that the certificate can be furnished here itself. Very efficiently she filled up the form consulting the Pass Book of my wife and got the signature wherever required. Then we went to the next woman staff, who checked the form, checked the Identity Card and then got a signature of my wife in front of her. Then she told that the Life Certificate is now furnished. Within a few minutes, the process was over and all the staff were much helpful and obliging. It was not to us alone, but the same treatment was given to all other pensioners also.
When coming back from the counter and going down the steps to go outside the building, we saw another old couple coming to the counter by starting to climb the steps. The old man was so weak and ill, that even with the crutches, he could not climb the steps. The security nearby told him to sit in a chair nearby, which we all helped him to sit. The security went inside and brought the counter clerk and arranged for the furnishing of the certificate. When I enquired, if any pensioner is not able to come due to sickness, what the bank will do? One retired officer of the SBI, who was nearby, told me that in such cases, the staff will be sent from the office to their home to get the certificate furnished.
So much change is taking place in the service sector. I appreciate the excellent service that a Public Bank like SBI, is providing to the customers. This is the need of the hour.
I thank the Staff and management of the SBI for this welcome change. I also congratulate the SBI Unions, which of course, will be behind this best service to the public!